Oriel's jumping confidence has taken a hit, Marissa's horse Shiloh is having her opinionated mare moments, and somehow we've ended up talking about yoga. Yep, yoga.

This week on The Mounting Block, we're joined by the fabulous Megsy (Megan Brock), a yoga devotee of 25 years, who's on a mission to convince Marissa that downward dog isn't actually a form of torture.

And let's just say Megsy's first-ever yoga experience is NOT what we were expecting. Apparently, yoga can be a lot more pleasurable than Marissa realised!

But beneath the laughs, there's a genuinely fascinating conversation about what yoga can offer women in their 40s, 50s and beyond. We're talking strength, flexibility, menopause, body confidence, mental resilience and learning to breathe through life's uncomfortable moments, whether that's holding a yoga pose, navigating midlife or sitting on a horse that's decided to lose the plot.

We also unpack Oriel's rather eventful first showjumping competition with Laney, who clearly didn't get the memo about the jumps being only 30cm, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the pressure off and start enjoying the ride again.

It's funny, frank and surprisingly enlightening. And by the end, even our resident yoga sceptic might be ready to roll out a mat.

Because whether it's horses, yoga or life after 40, sometimes you've just got to breathe, back yourself and enjoy the ride.

Saddle up, settle in and join us for another episode of The Mounting Block.

Spooky trail rides, riding breakthroughs and a serious dose of end-of-year exhaustion, Marissa and Oriel are back with plenty to catch up on. Oriel recounts a nerve-testing encounter with cows, barking dogs and a terrifying plastic bag ahead of her first jumping competition, while Marissa celebrates walk-to-canter success with Shiloh.

Off the horses, the conversation turns to midnight fears, tired kids and the mum guilt that follows losing your cool. Reflecting on their own parents and very different experiences of divorce, they explore why letting our children see us as human, and saying sorry when we get it wrong, matters. An honest, funny chat about finding confidence in the saddle and giving ourselves some grace at home.

This week on The Mounting Block, Marissa and Oriel are joined by domestic violence advocate Tracey for an important and deeply personal conversation about coercive control, domestic and family violence, and the signs that can be incredibly difficult to recognise when you’re living inside them.

Tracey shares her own lived experience and talks candidly about the slow erosion of independence, isolation from friends and family, financial control, walking on eggshells, and the cycle that can keep someone trapped in an unsafe relationship.

We also talk about why domestic violence doesn’t always look like physical violence, why leaving can be such a vulnerable time, the importance of seeking specialist support, and how Tracy has turned her own experience into advocacy for other women.

It’s a heavier conversation than usual, but an important one, because sometimes the first step is simply recognising that something isn’t right.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, coercive control, psychological and financial abuse, stalking and experiences of leaving an abusive relationship.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, specialist support is available.

1800RESPECT — Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Available 24/7.
Call: 1800 737 732
Text: 0458 737 732
https://1800respect.org.au/

Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) — Micah Projects — Specialist support for women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence in Brisbane.
Call: (07) 3217 2544
https://www.micahprojects.org.au/support-services/domestic-family-violence-services/protecting-women-children-and-families

Women’s Legal Service Queensland — Free legal assistance for Queensland women experiencing domestic and family violence, family separation, parenting and related legal issues.
Helpline: 1800 957 957
https://wlsq.org.au/

Women’s Health & Equality Queensland — Counselling, therapeutic programs and support for women, including specialist domestic, family and sexual violence counselling.
1800 4 WOMEN: 1800 496 636
https://wheq.org.au/

DVConnect Womensline — Queensland’s 24-hour domestic violence helpline, including crisis counselling, safety planning and emergency accommodation support.
Call: 1800 811 811
https://www.dvconnect.org/womensline/

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.